On Day Nine of the government shutdown, a group of religious leaders gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol to read passages from the Bible.
“In the midst of a crisis when we don’t really know what to do, we thought, ‘Let’s read the Bible and hear what God has to say,’” said David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World.
By all appearances, it was a lonely gathering.
The Republicans’ intransigence may have the unintended effect of driving more young Christians from the GOP, says our own Jonathan Merritt.
In other news, Malcolm Gladwell is serious about his faith. Who knew? Sarah Pulliam Bailey interviews the perennial best-selling author about his new book, David and Goliath.
And speaking of superstars, Madonna is now studying the Quran and has a young (OK, hot) Muslim boyfriend. Omid Safi unpacks this latest development and points out that spirituality is part of Madonna’s public performance:

“It is Madonna’s job, her calling, and her training to say things to tantalize us, engage us, and keep us captivated. And what better way than to identify with one of the most maligned and marginalized groups today, Muslims?”